Township promotes severe weather preparedness week

The Hanover Township Department of Emergency Services is asking residents to get ready for the spring weather season during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week that runs March 2 through March 8.

Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Severe Weather Preparedness Week is a nationwide effort to increase awareness of severe weather and educate individuals on what steps to take before, during and after severe weather strikes.

Each year, an overwhelming amount of individuals are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and other types of severe weather, despite advance warning. In 2013, there were more than 811 confirmed tornadoes in the United States alone.

“The best chance we have at minimizing sever weather’s unpredictable patterns is to be prepared for anything at anytime,” said Craig Essick, Director of Hanover Township Emergency Services. “By having a plan that every family member is aware of can help limit the impact of severe weather.”

To be better prepared for severe weather, the state of Illinois will be holding a statewide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 4. The drill is scheduled for 10:00AM and all schools, businesses and the general public are encouraged to test their severe weather plans. Informational and instructional materials on severe weather preparedness may be obtained at the following websites: www.state.il.us/iema; www.crg.noaa.gov; www.education.noaa.gov/teachers.html; and www.redcross.org.

The Hanover Township Emergency Services Unit is trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies and non-emergency events to either assist primary emergency responders or operate independently in times of natural and man-made disasters. This dedicated group of professional volunteers exists to provide a properly equipped, trained and ready unit to assist Hanover Township residents and the public safety agencies that serve them.

For questions about emergency preparedness or if you are interested in joining the Hanover Township Emergency Services Unit, please call 630-837-0301 or email htes@hanover-townshiop.org.